ASX to be facelifted again, new model offered in EU

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) is about to introduce yet another upgrade to the long serving ASX range of small SUVs including a new entry level variant.

Due in dealerships this November, the revised ASX builds on facelift four of the popular little front wheel drive wagon. Pricing for the new model is not yet available.

While not earth shattering in its scope, the upgrade should provide buyers with more value and choice across the range while tweaking equipment levels in some grades. 

MMAL is tight lipped about the arrival of a new generation ASX suffice to say one has appeared in Europe based on a rebadged Renault Captur. 

The new European ASX small SUV will lead Mitsubishi’s European relaunch when it arrives in showrooms in March. It will be available in full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

Weighing on the minds of MMAL executives would be the knowledge that despite continuing good local sales, ICE-powered ASX’s days are numbered due to various reasons including emissions regulations and buyer preferences.

For the moment though, plenty of Aussie buyers are plumping for the still appealing ASX that Mitsubishi has been able to keep current since it arrived here in 2011.

The 2023 XD-series ASX receives broad revisions and an additional variant joining the range… entry level GS. The previous ES model optioned with ADAS safety package has been deleted as the 2023 ES now includes much of that equipment as standard. As well as the GS and ES, the range continues to include MR, LS, GSR and Exceed variants.

There have been no powertrain changes for 2023 with Exceed and GSR running a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder engine delivering 123kW and 222Nm output while all the rest have a 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder with 110kW and 197Nm.

Respective fuel consumption figures are 7.6 litres per 100km for 2.0-litre CVT equipped cars and 7.7L/100km for the manual model using 91 RON petrol. The larger capacity 2.4-litre engine is good for 7.9L/100km.

These old school, multi-point injection (MPI) engines have remained virtually unchanged for more than a decade seeing duty in many other Mitsubishi models. Only the GS is available with a five-speed manual (or optional CVT) while other ASX variants use a CVT exclusively.

Far from being a bare bone, stripped out model, the new base spec’ GS kicks off with 16-inch steelies, LED head lights and DRLs, a rear spoiler, power folding door mirrors, cruise control, smartphone connectivity, audio streaming and voice control, DAB+ radio reception, a rear-view camera, urethane steering wheel, manual aircon’ and the basics you’d expect in 2023 in terms of comfort accoutrements.

Externally, the new model is differentiated variously by changes to lighting and wheel styles. LED headlights and DRLs are standard, with ES variants and above scoring front fog lights and new style wheels, and from LS up, new side chrome garnishes while the Exceed scores a panoramic sunroof.

Privacy glass is included from MR, reverse sensors are fitted from ES up and LED rear combination lights are standard range wide.

Inside ASX features an easy to use, practical interior design with 8.0-inch smartphone link Display Audio, DAB + radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth Connectivity featuring voice command and steering wheel controls as standard. A high contrast combination meter cluster with colour LCD is standard.

ES buyers get climate control while MR customers get a leather clad steering wheel.

The Exceed comes with leather upholstery and heated front seats with power adjustment to the driver’s seat. Other models have a either cloth or faux leather/suede upholstery.

In terms of safety, 2023 ASX retains the same five-star ANCAP rated MITEC safety package as the 2022 version which includes: forward collision mitigation on all models and (mostly) lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam, rear view camera, dusk sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers on other variants apart from the GS which scores some of these features.

The MY2023 Mitsubishi ASX is available in eight colours including the “hero” Sunshine Orange hue.

For a car that started life back in 2007 as a motor show concept, Mitsubishi’s Lancer-based ASX small SUV is a study in longevity brought about by regular upgrades and customer enticing features. The ASX still commands nearly 10 per cent of the small SUV segment sales at 7797 units year to date. That places it fourth overall in the hotly contested segment.

However, if you combine these figures with the similar size Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at 4748 YTD sales, the pair account for a healthy 16 per cent segment share.